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Prospects

2012 MLB Draft: Round 1

With the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft over, the Rotoworld staff offers a pick-by-pick breakdown of Monday's events, beginning with the Houston Astros' surprise selection with the first overall pick.

After being connected to Stanford RHP Mark Appel for months, rookie Astros GM Jeff Lunhow has thrown a curveball with his first ever pick. A spindly 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Correa is still a month shy of his 18th birthday. He's also Rotoworld prospect guru Adam Foster's top rated under-19 player, and boasts incredible bat speed to go along with elite defensive range and athleticism. Billed as a solid baserunner and excellent worker, Correa has the tools to develop into a perennial All Star.

Buxton developed into a prep phenom in the barren baseball field of Georgia. The five-tool 18-year-old outfielder was ranked as the draft's top overall prospect by ESPN's Keith Law and MLB.com's Jon Mayo, amongst many others. All five of Buxton's tools are considered by some to be 70 or above, a grading metric that signifies All-Star level. Twins GM Terry Ryan hopes that Minnesota fans, who have watched its team fall to the depths of the league, will travel a little further, as Buxton will require patience. The hope, of course, is that he could lead the club back to Zihuatanejo: Minnesota's first World Series since 1991.

The consensus No. 1 catcher in this year's draft, Zunino is also this year's top college bat. Already 21, he's batting .316/.388/.667 for the Gators this season after receiving All-American and SEC Player of the Year honors in 2011. A true power bat, Zunino likely won't be down on the farm for long, but doesn't have the athleticism to stick anywhere other than catcher or first base.

Most assumed that Baltimore, badly in need of pitching, would grab draft-slider Mark Appel, but they went with Gausman, who was ranked three spots ahead of Appel by ESPN's Keith Law. Goose is still growing into his frame and displays three plus pitches. A ground-ball machine, Gausman excelled as a sophomore in college baseball's toughest conference. He is a potential No. 1 starter, but projects more neatly as a No. 2.

A power righty out of the University of San Francisco, Zimmer's stock slipped a bit after his velocity dipped as a junior, possibly due to a hamstring injury. A well-built 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, he boasts a power curve to go along with a mid-90s fastball and decent changeup. Still just 19, however, Zimmer may need more time in the minors than most high-end college arms.

Almora is considered to have great makeup and plenty of tools. While he was not considered in the same class as Byron Buxton or Carlos Correa, Almora, an elite defensive center fielder, has been compared to Orioles superstar Adam Jones. Theo Epstein and company have been linked to Almora throughout the process and their infatuation proved not to be a mirage. Nobody would have thought Mark Appel would be available to the Cubs, but Epstein and Hoyer stuck to their guns anyway.

Widely considered the top high-school lefty in this year's draft class, Fried doesn't have an overpowering fastball, but boasts excellent command and secondary pitches. A wiry 6-foot-4, 170 pounds, however, he will need to fill out his frame as he refines his pitches on the farm. Fried has drawn (loose) comparisons to Barry Zito.

Houston shocked the baseball industry, and drew gasps from MLB Network's draft commentary team, when they passed on Appel, the presumed first pick, and selected Carlos Correa. Teams continued to pass, much to Pittsburgh's delight, even though they needed offense more than pitching. Appel looks like a prototypical ace at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds. He has hit 100 mph on the radar gun and was 9-1 with a 2.37 ERA and 116/24 K/BB rate in 110 innings during Stanford's regular season. He isn't without detractors, however, with some draft experts leaving Appel outside their Top-3 available prospect lists, mostly because scouts feel hitters pick the ball up easily out of his hands due to Appel's effortless delivery which doesn't deceive.

The top college lefty in this year's draft class, Heaney led Division I in strikeouts despite a fastball that sits "just" in the high 80s- to lower-90s. Buoyed by excellent command and plus breaking stuff, Heaney will need to refine his changeup on the farm. One day shy of his 21st birthday, Heaney isn't considered a future ace in most circles, but should move quickly through the minor leagues.

Dahl, an Auburn commit, has very good speed for a 6'2'', 185-pound outfielder who should only get bigger. Dahl is another five-tool high-schooler, but none of his tools are considered elite, unlike some of the players picked above him. The left-handed hitting Dahl has drawn comparisons to Johnny Damon and Colby Rasmus, but he likens himself to Jacoby Ellsbury. He's years away from the majors, but Colorado loves his raw tools.

With the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft over, the Rotoworld staff offers a pick-by-pick breakdown of Monday's events, beginning with the Houston Astros' surprise selection with the first overall pick.

After being connected to Stanford RHP Mark Appel for months, rookie Astros GM Jeff Lunhow has thrown a curveball with his first ever pick. A spindly 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Correa is still a month shy of his 18th birthday. He's also Rotoworld prospect guru Adam Foster's top rated under-19 player, and boasts incredible bat speed to go along with elite defensive range and athleticism. Billed as a solid baserunner and excellent worker, Correa has the tools to develop into a perennial All Star.

Buxton developed into a prep phenom in the barren baseball field of Georgia. The five-tool 18-year-old outfielder was ranked as the draft's top overall prospect by ESPN's Keith Law and MLB.com's Jon Mayo, amongst many others. All five of Buxton's tools are considered by some to be 70 or above, a grading metric that signifies All-Star level. Twins GM Terry Ryan hopes that Minnesota fans, who have watched its team fall to the depths of the league, will travel a little further, as Buxton will require patience. The hope, of course, is that he could lead the club back to Zihuatanejo: Minnesota's first World Series since 1991.

The consensus No. 1 catcher in this year's draft, Zunino is also this year's top college bat. Already 21, he's batting .316/.388/.667 for the Gators this season after receiving All-American and SEC Player of the Year honors in 2011. A true power bat, Zunino likely won't be down on the farm for long, but doesn't have the athleticism to stick anywhere other than catcher or first base.

Most assumed that Baltimore, badly in need of pitching, would grab draft-slider Mark Appel, but they went with Gausman, who was ranked three spots ahead of Appel by ESPN's Keith Law. Goose is still growing into his frame and displays three plus pitches. A ground-ball machine, Gausman excelled as a sophomore in college baseball's toughest conference. He is a potential No. 1 starter, but projects more neatly as a No. 2.

A power righty out of the University of San Francisco, Zimmer's stock slipped a bit after his velocity dipped as a junior, possibly due to a hamstring injury. A well-built 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, he boasts a power curve to go along with a mid-90s fastball and decent changeup. Still just 19, however, Zimmer may need more time in the minors than most high-end college arms.

Almora is considered to have great makeup and plenty of tools. While he was not considered in the same class as Byron Buxton or Carlos Correa, Almora, an elite defensive center fielder, has been compared to Orioles superstar Adam Jones. Theo Epstein and company have been linked to Almora throughout the process and their infatuation proved not to be a mirage. Nobody would have thought Mark Appel would be available to the Cubs, but Epstein and Hoyer stuck to their guns anyway.

Widely considered the top high-school lefty in this year's draft class, Fried doesn't have an overpowering fastball, but boasts excellent command and secondary pitches. A wiry 6-foot-4, 170 pounds, however, he will need to fill out his frame as he refines his pitches on the farm. Fried has drawn (loose) comparisons to Barry Zito.

Houston shocked the baseball industry, and drew gasps from MLB Network's draft commentary team, when they passed on Appel, the presumed first pick, and selected Carlos Correa. Teams continued to pass, much to Pittsburgh's delight, even though they needed offense more than pitching. Appel looks like a prototypical ace at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds. He has hit 100 mph on the radar gun and was 9-1 with a 2.37 ERA and 116/24 K/BB rate in 110 innings during Stanford's regular season. He isn't without detractors, however, with some draft experts leaving Appel outside their Top-3 available prospect lists, mostly because scouts feel hitters pick the ball up easily out of his hands due to Appel's effortless delivery which doesn't deceive.

The top college lefty in this year's draft class, Heaney led Division I in strikeouts despite a fastball that sits "just" in the high 80s- to lower-90s. Buoyed by excellent command and plus breaking stuff, Heaney will need to refine his changeup on the farm. One day shy of his 21st birthday, Heaney isn't considered a future ace in most circles, but should move quickly through the minor leagues.

Dahl, an Auburn commit, has very good speed for a 6'2'', 185-pound outfielder who should only get bigger. Dahl is another five-tool high-schooler, but none of his tools are considered elite, unlike some of the players picked above him. The left-handed hitting Dahl has drawn comparisons to Johnny Damon and Colby Rasmus, but he likens himself to Jacoby Ellsbury. He's years away from the majors, but Colorado loves his raw tools.

It's the first time the A's have used their first-round pick on a prep talent since 2001. A stocky 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Russell shed over 20 pounds as a senior in an effort to prove he could stick at shortstop. He's still viewed in some circles as a future third baseman, however. Wherever he plays, he'll boast impressive raw power, but still has a lot of developing to do as a hitter. "Advised" by Scott Boras, it's possible Russell will take his talents to the University of Auburn if he doesn't like the money the A's are offering.

Cecchini's brother, Garin, was picked in the 2010 draft and is in the Red Sox organization. Gavin is a heady player whose instincts have made him a solid fielder. Scouts, however, believe his long-term position may be second base. The younger Cecchini has a smooth, quick stroke. As long as he sticks in the middle of the infield, his bat will prove to be an asset. Described as "scrappy," a "hard-worker," and a "smart player," the thinking is that Gavin, who has been speaking to his brother about pro baseball for two years, is about as low risk a high-school pick as you can make at No. 12.

Raw in the "art" of hitting, Hawkins nevertheless possesses explosive bat speed and power to spare. Hawkins' speed is only average, but he profiles as an asset on defense. Still only 18, however, Hawkins will likely spend many years on the farm before arriving in "The Show."

Some might consider this a reach, but the Reds clearly love talented, power arms and that's precisely what Travieso is. The prep from Florida's favorite player is Roger Clemens and the youngster flings heat like his idol. Travieso can reach the high-90's and has the potential to develop two plus secondary pitches. But therein lies the rub: Travieso will have to develop a pair of complements to his nasty fastball or iron out his control, or he'll be destined for the bullpen. If he can't do either, he's going to wash out.

Naquin can hit (.385 this season), but his No. 1 tool is his throwing arm, which is elite. He's also a plus defender and runner, and is surely being drafted with an eye toward manning center field in Cleveland. Naquin's power may never develop, but already 21, he shouldn't be terribly far from the big leagues.

By all accounts, this is a fascinating pick. The Nationals have never been afraid of taking risks, whether on talent or medical history. In recent history, that ideology has worked. Giolito was a potential No. 1 talent before a tender elbow shut down his prep career in March. Tests revealed no ligament or tendon damage, so this seems like a wise gamble by Mike Rizzo. Giolito, a 6-6, 230-pound monster, has hit 100 mph on the gun and has ace potential. Of course, Washington has plenty of stud starters on the roster, a group Giolito hopes to join in the next four years, even if he has to sit out the rest of the 2012 season.

An elite runner and athlete, Davis is nevertheless extremely raw as a hitter. Three weeks shy of his 18th birthday, he's also one of the youngest players in this year's draft class. He has monster upside, however, and will be one of the Jays' corner outfielders for years to come if everything breaks right. He'll obviously need years on the farm.

Seager's brother, Kyle, plays for the majors and was shown watching his little bro being selected on an iPad in the dugout. Corey has tremendous bat speed and very good power potential. He played short in high school, but the youngster, already 6'3'', 190 pounds, is going to outgrow the position. He's expected to move to the hot corner. The Dodgers have competition for his services, as Seager is firmly committed to South Carolina. If he decides to go the college route, Seager is expected to be picked even higher in three years.

A towering 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, Wacha has spent the past three years dominating for the Aggies. He boasts a formidable changeup to go along with a mid-90s heater, but has yet to develop a consistent breaking pitch. Wacha doesn't boast as high of a ceiling as some of the other arms taken this evening, and may never turn into a No. 1 or 2 starter. He's a strong bet to reach the big leagues, however.

San Francisco practically sprinted to the podium to get this pick in, as they probably didn't believe they'd have a shot at Stratton when the evening began. Stratton began the season in the bullpen, but quickly became the Bulldogs' ace and led the SEC in strikeouts. He has an ideal frame and a four-pitch arsenal. All of his tools are projected to be between average and above-average at the major league level. Assuming the late-bloomer fulfills that prophecy, the Giants just snagged no worse than a middle-of-the-rotation starter.

A star high-school shortstop, Sims boasts an explosive mid-90s fastball to go along with a plus curveball and solid changeup. He has raw mechanics, however, and may eventually be shifted to the bullpen. Although he's a superior athlete, Sims is years away from Atlanta.

Jonathan Mayo immediately said on the MLB Network telecast that Stroman, "could be the steal" of the first round. Stroman, considered a no-risk pick, would have been a Top-5 pick were he not 5'9''. Because of his stature, most scouts believe he doesn't have the frame to handle the rigors of starting in the major leagues. The Blue Devil, however, has the rock solid four-pitch repertoire of a starter. Will he be this season's Trevor Bauer? Will Stroman profile as more of a Tom Gordan or Francisco Rodriguez-type, as MLB's experts suggested? One thing is for sure: Stroman is one of this year's most intriguing picks.

A 22nd-round pick in 2011, Ramsey elected to return to Florida State for his senior year of college. Billed as a "hard worker" and "leader," Ramsey may be knocked as a low-upside pick, but truly does boast above-average intangibles to go along with a plus glove and speed. He won't hit for power, but his well-rounded game could have him in the big leagues sooner rather than later.

Marrero was projected in the Top-10 of most mock drafts -- and came into the season as a consensus Top-5 pick -- but was pushed down the board due to a rough season and shuffling of ideologies of clubs above Boston. All of which is to the Red Sox benefit, as Marrero is an elite talent. While scouts soured a bit on him due to questionable effort this past, Marrero should stick at shortstop due to his superb instincts and hands. He should be able to hit for a consistently high average throughout his journey through the minors and probably isn't several years away from Fenway.

Perhaps this year's top college power bat, Shaffer can play either corner infield spot, but will likely be slated for first with Evan Longoria occupying the hot corner in Tampa. Shaffer has the athleticism to man right field if need be. A polished hitter with relatively few holes in his swing, there's a strong chance Shaffer will reach the big leagues.

Trahan has a big bat and a better name for a masher. The biggest question is whether or not Trahan can stick behind the plate. In that way, it's surprising he was taken by an NL team, though some believe he could eventually stick in right field. Trahan has been compared to Royals prospect Wil Myers, but he doesn't have the ceiling of Kansas City's future cornerstone.

A state champion wrestler in Washington, Coulter has drawn loose comparisons to Mike Napoli. He may not have the defensive ability to stick behind the plate, but should have the power to man first base if a position switch becomes necessary. Coulter is still two months shy of his 19th birthday, and didn't face much top-flight competition in the Northwest, so he could need a number of seasons in the minors.

With their second consecutive pick, Milwaukee grabbed an outfielder that some believe is a Top-10 talent in the draft. Roache has good bat speed and power, but he has never played against top competition, so there is some concern about that. He profiles as a corner outfielder, but his arm strength will play well there.

Brinson is a potential five-tool talent, but isn't particularly polished in any one area as an 18 year old out of Florida. He'll need years to develop on the farm, which makes the stacked-at-the-MLB-level Rangers a perfect landing spot. If all goes to plan, Brinson will reach Texas in 3-4 years as an above-average defender with solid power and plus speed.

The state of Oklahoma graduated Dylan Bundy and Archie Bradley to pro baseball last season and Hensley follows in their footsteps. Hensley, who has a great frame at 6'4'', 220, has a solid fastball and a killer curve. He will have to develop another pitch or two and clean up his mechanics. If he can do so, he could be a steal for the Bombers.

Also a hard-hitting first baseman, Johnson doesn't project as an above-average MLB talent, but instead a polished, middle-of-the-rotation type who won't need much time to develop in the minors. Johnson's fastball is not a plus-pitch, but he locates it extremely well. How quickly he refines his ordinary breaking stuff should determine when he reaches the bigs.